Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1887-03-11
to reach the dead bodies of the vic
tins.
Probability ~ Constructing . Road
Along the Columbia to P0rtla nd.

tins.
Probability ~ Constructing . Road
Along the Columbia to Portland.
WASHINGTON, March THE failure
of Congress to pass the bill FORGETTING
any part of the land grant to the
Northern Pacific railIoad may lead to
surprise in the matter Of railroad
building in the northwest. 1t is now
an open secret in certain circles that
the directors of the Northern Pacific
have under consideration proposition
to continue their road down the Co
lumbia river On the north bank from
Wallula to some western point where
an entrance can be made into Portland,
or traffic connection can be made
Herewith. Not many years ago the
proposition was submitted to the
Northern Pacific by construction
company to build road from Wallula
to Portland and turn it over to the
railroad company in working condi-
ton, if in payment therefor, the latter
would surrender to the construction
company the land grant along this
part of the road. 1t is understood that
this proposition has not only been
talked of by the directors among them
selves, but has been informally cOnsid-
cred at regular meetings of the North
ern Pacific; but no decisive action was
suggested until after it could he seen
whether or not this session of Con-
gress would declare a forfeiture of the
land grant. The Northern Pacific Of
ficials have also questioned whether it
will not be more advisable for them to
build road themselves, instead of let
ting it out to the construction COM
pany. The theory on which any plan
for building this part of the road is en-
tertained is that the land adjacent TO
any part of the road constructed, up
to the time that Congress specifically
declares forfeiture, can be held by
the railroad company. If, therefore,
before the converting of the next Con-
gress the Northern Pacific should
build line down the Columbia, the
land would be saved. Much color is
given to the rumor that the building of
this line is contemplated from the fact,
known here, that during the first ses-
sion of the Congress just closed the
Northern Pacific officials openly stated
that they would give their entire con-
sent to the forfeiture of the land grant
from Wallulla to Portland, whereas no
such free will Offering Was suggested
during the session just ended, but on
the contrary the said officials, for the
most part, were earnestly DESTROYS that
no forfeiture bill would be enacted.
smallpox and \ iphtheria-Ne Water
Big Graveyard.
NoGALEs, A. T., March Ga party
of Topolobampo colonists have arrived
in this city from Michigan and Wis
consin. They passed through here
about month ago, and at Guaymas
met several returning colonists and
decided not to go any farther. They
gave most gloomy account Of the
condition of the colonists. There is
smallpox in the colony and the chill
dren are being carried off by diphtheria
and the graveyard is larger than the
town. There is no fresh water within
forty miles. Many have nothing to
eat, and it is no uncommon thing to
see women with their children sitting
on the rocks crying and imploring the
Almighty to save them from starva-
| ton.